So– you’ve been considering GoHighLevel, huh? Perhaps you’ve seen the glowing testimonials. Read about the all-in-one magic. Check out exactly how it could replace your CRM, your email marketing devices, your sales funnel builder, your left kidney– joking (type of) GoHighLevel Call Tracking.
I get it. The guarantee is alluring: one effective control panel to rule them all. And if you’re running a firm, the concept of simplifying every little thing under one roof covering sounds like a performance dream. But let me quit you right there … since I fell for the buzz. And I wish somebody had actually gotten me by the shoulders and stated: “Don’t do it.”
In this article, I’m strolling you with my rollercoaster of an experience with GoHighLevel– from enthusiastic starts to a complete 180. If you’re seriously considering making the button, read this first. It’ll save you time, cash, and a truckload of headaches.
Let’s Back Up: Why I Even Took A Look At GoHighLevel
You ever before obtain that crave something new? Like when your favored set of shoes instantly really feels … boring? That’s what took place to me. I would certainly been using Keap (you may remember it as Infusionsoft) for years– five, to be precise. And honestly, it functioned terrific.
I mean, Keap managed every little thing: e-mail marketing, CRM, automations, funnels, invoicing. It just clicked with the way I ran my organization. Certain, it had not been perfect, yet it was dependable. Like a great old Toyota– you’re not bragging about it, yet it obtains you where you require to go without breaking down.
So why did I begin looking at the fancy new Tesla parked next door?
Because of glossy item disorder. Yep. It’s real. And if you’re a business owner like me, you know exactly what I’m discussing. When all the Facebook groups, YouTubers, and SaaS blog owners are buzzing concerning a “game-changer,” you start wondering if you’re missing out. And before I knew it, I was deep-diving right into GoHighLevel demos and reasoning, “Possibly it’s time.”
Big. Mistake.
The Rate of Changing: What It Actually Took
Let’s not sugarcoat this– moving your company’s whole tech pile is harsh. I want I might inform you I simply clicked a switch and voilà, I was running on GoHighLevel by the weekend break. Nope.
Right here’s a peek of what I actually experienced:
- Exported over 20,000 get in touches with from Keap (manually).
- Restore a lots automations from the ground up– things like onboarding, email series, lead nurturing.
- Relocated every client note, project status, and funnel over.
- Set up landing pages. Once again.
- Reconnected repayment integrations like Stripe.
- Used near 40 hours adjusting settings and screening workflows.
And let’s not neglect the psychological power it sucked out of me. You recognize that exhausted, brain-fried sensation after staring at your screen for as well long? That was my life for two weeks straight.
I informed myself, “This pain will deserve it.” It had not been.
When Everything Started Falling Apart
At first, it looked like points were working. Automations were firing. Emails were heading out. Funnels were real-time. I exhaled a little.
Then– turmoil.
One morning I woke up to a nightmare: 171 e-mails had actually been sent out to the wrong team of contacts. Entirely unimportant web content. 3 days in a row. And not the very same individuals either– different batches each time. I was horrified.
I tore through the automation settings, erased and rebuilt series, also connected to support. Their reaction? “Server problem.” Uh … what?
No resolution. No urgency. No responsibility. And the emails simply maintained going out like a rogue robotic on autopilot.
At that point, I was done relying on GoHighLevel with anything essential. My target market mattered way too much to risk another error.
Bad UX = Slow Fatality by Frustration
Let me repaint you a photo. You’re attempting to fine-tune a workflow. Basic task, right? Except currently you’re 12 clicks deep in food selections that don’t make good sense. Labels aren’t clear. Settings are concealed in position nobody would rationally look.
Their funnel builder? Don’t even get me began. You need to gain access to three different arrangement panels– spread across the interface– to update a solitary funnel.
It seemed like constructing IKEA furnishings without directions. I wished to love the adaptability, but every little thing regarding the customer experience made me feel like I required a programmer sitting beside me 24/7.
And this is originating from a person who had actually been running automations and building funnels for several years. If I was battling, I can’t picture what it resembles for a person just starting.
Shock Charges and Shady Pricing
Right here’s something they do not advertise clearly: GoHighLevel charges per email you send out through their platform.
Yep. In addition to your $297/month agency plan, there are tricky little charges that begin piling up. I noticed random $10 fees appearing– then $20 … after that $50. Ends up, I was acquiring distribution fees with Mailgun, their email service provider.
So what resembled a budget friendly, flat-rate platform? Not so much. By the end of the month, I was spending greater than I did on Keap– and obtaining way much less dependability in return.
That felt dishonest. And it’s a dealbreaker for me GoHighLevel Call Tracking.
Email Performance Tanked– Which Was the Last Straw
If you do any kind of sort of e-mail marketing, you recognize how important deliverability is. You spend years nurturing your checklist, constructing count on, fine-tuning subject lines. So when your open rates drop off a high cliff, it’s like enjoying your effort get purged down the drain.
That’s specifically what occurred when I switched to GoHighLevel.
My open rates dropped from around 35% to hardly scuffing 10%. I fine-tuned subject lines, verified domain names, warmed up IPs– you name it. Still absolutely nothing.
Email after email landed in spam or promotions folders. And considering that GoHighLevel relies on third-party deliverability tools (without much assistance), I was left playing email roulette.
At that point, I couldn’t warrant staying. I pulled the plug and went back to Keap.
So, Should You Use GoHighLevel?
Honestly? I would not advise it. Not if you’re seeking something secure, instinctive, and trustworthy. There’s excessive at risk– your online reputation, your customer experience, your profits.
However if you’re still interested, a minimum of share your eyes wide open. Examination whatever. Do not blindly trust the hype.
Lessons Discovered (So You Don’t Repeat My Blunders).
Here’s the truth no person informs you when you’re chasing the next “all-in-one” tool:
1. Stick with what works– unless there’s an excellent factor to switch.
Keap had not been flashy, yet it was strong. That’s worth greater than any kind of brand-new feature.
2. Simplicity beats intricacy– every time.
An intuitive device that does 80% well is much better than a Frankenstein system that does 100% severely.
3. Do not fall for affordable price– consider the actual cost.
Review the small print. Ask about deliverability costs. Know what “limitless” actually suggests.
4. Keep an eye out for biased testimonials.
A great deal of the glowing reviews out there? They’re from affiliates trying to rack up a commission. Locate people with nothing to obtain.
5. Listen to your gut.
If something really feels off throughout your free trial or onboarding phase– do not ignore it.
Better Alternatives to Think About
If you’re looking for a platform that actually works the way it guarantees, check these out:.
Keap– My leading pick. Impressive automation, strong deliverability, and fantastic assistance.
GreenRope— All-in-one CRM with excellent job administration tools for tiny groups.
HubSpot— Enterprise-grade tools with a polished UX. Ideal if you’re scaling fast.
Monday— More project-focused, yet fantastic for client cooperation and job monitoring.
Bonsai— Built for consultants and creatives. Super clean, incredibly streamlined.
Final Word
Look, I get it. GoHighLevel sounds like the response to whatever. And if it worked flawlessly, I ‘d possibly be their biggest cheerleader. However it really did not. And I can’t act or else.
So before you dive into a full-scale movement– or even worse, persuade your customers to do the same– breathe. Ask the hard inquiries. And consider whether the “all-in-one” desire is worth the real-world compromises.
You’ve worked also tough to develop something wonderful. Don’t risk it on a system that still seems like a beta test.
If you desire my two cents? Stick to devices that just function.